When I was a young girl I remember going to our local town parades and seeing veterans of wars that our country had fought, handing out poppies in hopes of gaining recognition, honor and remembrance of what they had done for us. Although I was not politically minded being a child, I do remember feeling sadness for them. I watched as they walked up to people in the crowd, their faces haggard, their bodies worn out and tired, but yet they still offered a smile as they handed out the red plastic flowers adorned with a ribbon of remembrance. They were the very men that fought for our freedom, with no regrets. They were yesterday’s active troops and they did what every troop member does today. Give of themselves for the greater good of this country. To secure our freedom to walk in our streets without fear of bombs tearing down our homes. They are heroes all.
Now I would like to address the attitude of our nations people. How is it that an American can care so much for our current troops, but yet care so little for our veterans? How can anyone say they are a “Troop Supporter”, but not stand behind the men and women that once served our country? Do you not see how that affects our current troops? Do you not realize that they are all thinking about how they will be forgotten once they retire or are honorably discharged due to injuries? How would you feel if you were in their shoes?
To be a strong nation, we have to care equally about those who fight for us now, and those who also fought for us in years gone by. Our veterans are heroes as are our current troops and deserve the same respect and honor that our current troops deserve. Where would this country be right now if they hadn’t fought for us? If they had decided that it wasn’t important enough? Put yourself in the shoes of a veteran and imagine how you would feel to be ignored and put on a shelf like a picture, only to be looked at and remembered from time to time.
Veterans are extremely important parts of our history that should be treated with the utmost respect for their sacrifices. They should NEVER be forgotten anymore than our current troops. So with all this being said, I would like to ask every American to consider donating to veteran causes. They have earned it and it is the very least we can all do to help them after all they have done for us. The next time you see a veteran gathering donations for other veterans, please give up that dollar that you have in your pocket for that can of soda you want so much. Please help our veterans to live the remainders of their lives comfortably and with dignity knowing that we care about what they have given for us. And the next time you look at your son or daughter who is currently serving in our military, remember, they too will someday be a veteran.
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